The UK government aim to increase UK exports by encouraging more businesses to sell their goods in global markets. The new government website ‘Exporting is great’ is an invaluable resource and guide for any company thinking of exporting goods for the first time. It is part of a ‘push to help a further 100,000 more UK businesses export by 2020.’

Our agents in China will be closed for the Spring Festival on the 10th February 2024, which can mean shipping is disrupted for three weeks or more. Find out the key dates and what you need to do to get your goods shipped from China to the UK

It’s important to be organised in plenty of time if you are importing with a specific date or period in mind. We discuss some of your options and when you need to start your orders.

Exporting your goods can seem like a huge task. Making your goods attractive to overseas customers is important. It is vital that logistics, transport and documentation are right before you begin. Here are some of the most important things to think about.....

Your goods must be properly packaged and labeled before shipped. They must also meet certain packaging requirements to ensure that they are delivered safely to their destinations. Here are some ways you can help yourself with consignment packaging;

Incoterms are simply trade terms which are used to define each of the obligations of seller and buyer when moving goods. The term makes it clear who is responsible for which aspect of the cost/risk at each stage of movement, according to Tate's Export Guide.

So, what does our service actually cover? Well, we are on hand to act as your local representative, making the most of our local knowledge and expertise, plus our connections in the area, to get cargos moved as swiftly and efficiently as possible.

Ever wondered what the acronyms LCL and FCL mean?

The UK is moving to a new customs system. Make sure you’re ready!

Do you get a better deal transporting your goods by sea?

Transporting your goods to Europe via Dover is the most common route for UK business, but it may not be the most efficient financially or environmentally.

If you regularly export sea freight shipments, you may have come across issues in finding space on vessels for your exports.

Global shipping rates have been under tremendous pressure in 2021, with a number of issues coming together to affect prices. We have seen some rates increase by up to five times this year due to issues that include the pandemic, a global shortage of shipping containers, Brexit and the blockage in the Suez Canal. These problems will affect global shipping rates for some time, but in the meantime, we are focused on providing the best options possible to our clients.

India is one of the world’s largest exporters of goods and has a vibrant, growing, economy. Trade between the UK and India totalled more than £20 billion in 2018 (https://www.great.gov.uk/markets/India/)

The impact of the covid pandemic, a shortage of shipping containers and congestion at UK ports have had a negative impact on shipping costs over the last four months.

Chinese New Year is on the 12th February, and the country always shuts down for up to ten days for its annual holiday. Add to this the problems with a global container shortage and the congestion at British ports, and you end up with very high rates for importing your goods from China.

Brexit will impact the whole supply chain - exporters to and importers from the EU - and the arrangements for businesses after December 31st are still unclear. There are, however, ways your business can prepare for the looming deadline.

If you’re importing for the 1st time into the UK, you will need a UK based customs clearance agent to clear your goods through customs.

The last few years has seen a surge in businesses and individuals importing goods from China, India, USA and many other countries to sell online. We discuss what you might need to do to get started.

Chinese New Year is early this year (25th January) so make sure you have all your shipments in order asap to ensure your goods are safely at their destination before the country shuts down.